THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet meeting has decided to increase seats by up to 30 percent in government and aided higher secondary schools in ten districts to address the shortage of seats for Plus One admission in the state. This will increase the number of seats by 65,000.
30 percent increase in government higher secondary schools and a 20 percent increase in aided schools is permitted, in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. An additional 10 percent marginal increase in seats will be allowed for aided schools that require it. In Kollam, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, seats will be increased by 20 percent in government-aided higher secondary schools. In higher secondary schools, 81 temporary batches allotted in 2022-23, 18 science, 49 humanities and eight commerce batches which were maintained in 2022-23 will continue.
The number of qualified candidates for Plus One admission is 4,17,864 this time. 68,604 students have secured A Plus in all subjects. Last year's concern was that students would not get admission in their desired subject or school. Allowance of additional batches in the Malabar region was not considered as it would put a severe financial burden on the government. Additional teaching posts will also be required according to the new batches.
It is estimated that a batch will require at least six posts. In 2014 and 2015, 58 new batches sanctioned in 51 schools did not have permanent teachers. 32 batches in 27 government schools and 26 batches in 24 aided schools were allotted that day.
Last year:
20 percent marginal increase in seats and 81 provisional batches were sanctioned, increasing the number of seats from 3,60,692 to 4.18 lakh.